Fantastic race - beautiful course with a bit of everything, very well run, and a good vibe. Gotta admit, it was pretty tough, lol. I’m still working my way into shape, and it was a difficult day - lots of climbing. Had to earn everything. But I’d definitely do it again.

Thanks for that ride report chunkylover53. What was the weather like and what % of it was gravel on a guess? I luv to climb but have found this out very quickly with gravel riding/racing. You might be able to fake it out on the roadie end but you sure can't do that at the gravel end as you will pay for it.

Zman__________________If it was easy it wouldn't be a memory. You just hope you don't have all your memories in the same ride. been there dun that Zman

Zman - it was a real mix - pavement, gravel, dirt/sand, singletrack etc. Maybe 60% gravel, 30 dirt/sand, 10 pavement? The gravel is for the most part smooth (where I ride much more coarse and deep) and fast. I’m more of a mountain biker, so I was able to rail some of the downhills and make up some time. It’s a good all around test of one’s skills, but it definitely favours the climbers.

Weather on the day was just about perfect - low to mid 20s C, slight wind. It had been wet in the area for a while, so there was a bit of mud and water on the course, and some gaps in the gravel from runoff - had to be a bit careful on the downs. Really great scenery.

From finally traveling the RattleSnake Rally Route & experiencing 21 miles of the DeadSwede the Gravel is very similar in all the top 3 races in the series. I’ve yet to see the Battle of the Gravel in Savery & the Gravel for the WYO131.

Here’s some pics of the Coal Country Gravel Event happening June 30th & one pic of the gravel with my 9 year old Grinding at the DeadSwede 🤙🏻 All but 16 miles of the 136 miler is gravel, 12 miles paved for the 55 & 25 route options.

Some of course is hard packed dirt at all three series locations RECOMMEND 35mm tire up to 45mm. There’s all types of bikes showing up however & completing their distances. Tandems, XC MTB Bikes & fat bikes. As far as I know the DeadSwede hundo is the only one that offers a rad section of single track.

As for weather the RattleSnake Rally was misting on race day. Rained day before but the gravel roads were in great condition for the most part. The DeadSwede rained heavily the day before and Little to no changes made. The Gravel remains in great condition with mild to muddy sections only. Hope these pics give you a little insight into the Gravel we have out West here Zman 👍🏻

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